Zephaniah 2:1-15
These prophecies, dealing with the future judgment of the wicked, may seem a matter of minor interest for God’s children. What they are expecting is not the final crisis spoken of here, but the return of the Lord to take up His church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:9). The announcement of this just retribution on evil should open our eyes to the character of the world, in such a way as to cause us to separate from it more decidedly (2 Peter 3:10-12). Because we do not see God at present punishing the wickedness of men as they deserve, we could well forget how much He holds it in abhorrence; consequently such passages have their place in helping us to remember it. The downfall of Nineveh in its arrogance and senseless self-interest is implicit in v.15. "I am, and there is none beside me." It is also the attitude of Babylon (Isaiah 47:8). But let us take note to ensure it is not equally the murmuring of our own heart. By contrast, v. 3 presents the meek, those whom the Lord calls blessed and who are like Him (Matthew 5:5; Matthew 11:29). Prophetically it speaks of the future Jewish remnant (end of v. 9; Zephaniah 3:13), who are invited to seek the LORD that they may be hidden in the day of His anger. Moreover, the name Zephaniah means "He whom the LORD hides, or protects."